Prime Minister Announces Plans for a National Care Service
The Prime Minister has announced a significant new commitment to reform adult social care in England, pledging to work alongside the public, social care organisations and politicians from across the political spectrum to develop a National Care Service and strengthen support for the social care workforce.
Speaking at an event hosted by Jewish Care, the Prime Minister described social care as one of the country’s most pressing public service challenges, praising the dedication, skill and professionalism of care workers while acknowledging the growing pressures facing people who draw on care and support, family carers, providers and the NHS.
Key Announcements
The Prime Minister outlined three major actions:
- Accelerating the Casey Review
- Baroness Louise Casey has been asked to bring forward her independent review of adult social care by one year, with findings now expected in 2027.
- The review will explore how England could develop a National Care Service that works alongside and is closely integrated with the NHS, while maintaining a person-centred and preventative approach to care.
- Strengthening the Social Care Workforce
- The Government reaffirmed its commitment to introducing a Fair Pay Agreement for social care staff in 2028/29.
- Ministers will also examine wider workforce reforms, including career progression pathways, improved training, greater job security and closer integration with NHS workforce development.
- Launching Cross-Party Talks
- Cross-party discussions on social care reform are beginning immediately, with the aim of building long-term consensus and avoiding the political deadlock that has stalled reform for decades.
A Recognition of Social Care’s Value
A key theme of the speech was recognition of the social care workforce. Drawing on his family’s own experience of receiving care, the Prime Minister highlighted the compassion, expertise and professionalism of care staff and argued that the contribution they make to society must be better recognised and rewarded.
He also emphasised the crucial relationship between social care and the NHS, arguing that meaningful reform of the NHS cannot be achieved without addressing the challenges facing social care, including unmet need, delayed hospital discharges and workforce pressures.
What This Means for the Sector
While detailed proposals are yet to be developed, the announcement signals a renewed focus on:
- Workforce pay, conditions and professional development.
- Greater integration between health and social care services.
- A long-term vision for a National Care Service.
- Cross-party collaboration to deliver sustainable reform.
YHCAA welcomes the renewed commitment to addressing long-standing challenges in adult social care and looks forward to contributing to future discussions to ensure the voices of independent care providers, people drawing on care and support, and the social care workforce are fully represented.
🔗 Read the Prime Minister’s full speech here: Prime Minister’s speech on social care – 29 July 2026 – GOV.UK